Friday, July 30, 2010

July is almost over?! Where did this month go! I promise there has been knitting, but it has been for a super secret project (I hope to be able to share the news in the next few weeks!). Every free minute has been spent knitting this project.

Well, except for last night and today. Lil' Snowboarder and I have been having fun!

How could they not be good when you are adding melted butter and cinnamon sugar?

Then this afternoon, after Lil Snowboarder's third day of school, we celebrated with a drive to the coast. I warned her that it was going to be cold (summer here in the Bay Area), but she didn't care.

I had to practically pull her away when it was time to go. She's happy, but I was turning blue it was so cold :)

And I just had to share Jocelyn's Sweet Home socks...go look at how pretty they turned out and how her daughter is becoming the perfect sock model!

Oh, and have any of you checked out the new summer shows, Rizzoli & Isles and Covert Affairs? I've been enjoying them both. And I finally caught up on all the Mad Men previous seasons to be watching along this season. Love that show!

Now back to that secret knitting. Here's to a fabulous weekend ahead!xoox Irishgirlieknits

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Sometimes all it takes is a simple name to inspire a design. Chateau, the colorway name of Kolláge Yarn's Sock-a-licious Yarn, made me think of lazy days on the porch of a beautiful southern home, with columns similar to those of Tara, sipping sweet tea.

A Southern home perhaps because the yarn arrived with a postmark from Alabama, home of Kolláge Yarns.

Notes: A cuff-down sock with written instructions that include charts specific to each size and are provided on the last page.

A very special thank you to my fabulous test knitters Jocelyn, Gaylen, and Madeleine! Tricia did a fabulous job on the impromptu photo shoot! And to Susie at Kollage for donating the yarn for them to knit with!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Some might say, right? I know before blogging and being active in my local stitch n bitch, I certainly had my stereotypes about knitting and knitters. I remember it was my sister who told my boyfriend that I knit. I had left that out for a good month or so. I didn't know what he would think. Now I can't even imagine not proclaiming that I am a knitter. Knitting is not just a hobby for me. Hobbies come and go, but knitting, I can't imagine not doing it. It is also the community of knitters that I can't imagine my life without.

Back to that image problem. That is the title of one of the essays in Jessica Hemmings' new book, In the Loop: Knitting Now.

In the Loop: Knitting Now explores the progression of knitting, a craft which has come a long way from its fuzzy image of thick socks, long shawls and embarrassing motifs on Christmas jumpers. The book maps knitting’s journey from solitary hobby for old maids to mainstream, contemporary trend.

When I was offered a chance to receive a preview copy of the book, I jumped at it. This isn't your typical knitting book filled with patterns. The book is a collection of essays written by a variety of voices: artist, academic, historian, librarian, and more. Essays that explore topics such as rethinking knitting and its image, activist knitting, narrative knits, and how knitting has progressed.

One thing I realized last year at both sock camp and Sock Summit, it was how much I did not know about the craft of knitting. But I do have an idea of where knitting is going. This book discusses this and so much more. Although I haven't read all of the essays, the ones I have read have been interesting and thought-provoking. This collection is informative and explores the diversity of knitting's current endeavors.

The images alone make this book worthwhile. It is a beautiful book, and the knits are beautiful, inspiring, creative. I could go on. I particularly enjoyed the artwork from the social activism essay. Here are just a few examples of the artwork contained within this book.

If you are interested in learning more about the craft of knitting and how it is evolving, this is the book for you. I could see this being on the recommended reading list of a fashion institute type course.

Here's the best part. The publishers of the book, Black Dog Publishing, would like to offer all of my readers a 40% discount on all orders of this book! It retails for US $39.95. If you are interested, contact Jessica at jess@blackdogonline.com and quote "We Do Not Have a Knitting Problem Offer" in the subject line and she will take care of your orders.

Something to think about....one of the essays details the Knitting Collection held by the University of Southampton Library. Immediately I thought of my sock stash. If something should ever happen, my sister knows who to contact. However, can you imagine it being a collection on display......

Saturday, July 10, 2010

There has been some knitting around here. Even though it seems like forever since I've blogged about some actual knitting content!

First, Erica and I had a great time in Sandi Rosner's Winning Socks Class last weekend at Purlescence (she blogged all about it here). And I challenged myself to not only knit a wee sock toe-up (I've done that a few times), but to also use DPNs! I've used DPNs for hats and such, but I'm a magic loop girl when it comes to socks. I think I may actually challenge myself to knit a pair of socks using DPNs this summer...it wasn't as bad as I thought (and I really liked using Kollage's square needles!), and it may actually be easier to lever knit with them. I'll keep you posted.

The next knitting, well, technically it isn't mine.

Erica started a Merrily Cowl while at sock camp using STR heavyweight in January One, and OMG!! I just love how drapey the cowl is in heavyweight (and we know I have plenty of that in my stash!!). I'm thinking of making one in Jabberwocky to get ready for fall!

I did finish my Sweet Home socks!! I heart them and Sock-a-licious together! The pattern is with my test knitters so I'm hoping it will be released in the next week or so!

Now off to see Despicable Me with Big and Lil Snowboarders! Happy Weekend!xoxo Irishgirlieknits